Child Recovering at Hospital Following Gang-Related Shooting

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A two-year-old boy wounded in an apparent gang-related shooting last week is recovering in Children’s Mercy Hospital, while his family says that the shooting was a retaliation for “snitching” against gang activity.

Axel Orozco was injured by a single gunshot wound while he was in his family’s living room in the 1600 block of Topping on the city’s East Side around 10:30 a.m. on Friday morning. His family says that doctors had to remove the child’s spleen, but that he is otherwise recovering quickly.

“He’s such a goofy little kid. He’s always playing around, dancing. He loves to dance,” said his aunt, Brenda Orozco on Monday. “He’s a strong boy.”

The child was standing in the living room watching television when the shooter – believed to be on the street in front of the house – rattled off multiple shots.

“They dont think about the consequences and how it changes now only the little boys life but everyone around him,” said Brenda Orozco. “Nobody deserves to go through that, especially not a two year old.”

The family says that this was the second shooting aimed at their home since August. They say that they’re afraid of what will happen next.

“It is very overwhelming to be here and know that it could happen again,” said Brenda Orozco. She says that the family are being targeted by gangs for so-called snitching, and the family says that want the retaliation to stop.

“I’m really hoping that they come to their sense and come forward. You know, if they were so brave to do it, well I mean, I hope they are brave enough to assume the consequences now,” said Brenda Orozco.

Police have not made any arrests in Friday’s shooting. Axel Orozco could be released from the hospital soon if his recovery keeps going well.